As 2025 unfolds, the excitement surrounding theme parks in Central Florida is reaching new heights. With Universal Orlando Resort gearing up to open its much-anticipated Epic Universe, the theme park landscape is set for an unforgettable year. Meanwhile, Walt Disney World Resort continues to deliver its signature magic with special events and offerings, including the ever-popular Disney After Hours at Magic Kingdom Park.
This limited-capacity, separately ticketed event provides guests with the chance to enjoy beloved attractions with minimal wait times, indulge in complimentary treats, and experience the breathtaking nighttime ambiance of Cinderella Castle. Running select nights from January 6 through May 19, 2025, the event offers an exclusive opportunity to explore Magic Kingdom Park long after the sun has set.
Guests eager to take part in the magic have already snapped up tickets for several dates. Following a sellout event on March 31, another evening—April 7—has now officially reached capacity, showcasing the strong demand for this after-dark adventure. Ticket prices range from $175 to $185 per person (plus tax), with early park entry available starting at 7 p.m., well ahead of the event’s official hours from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.
Among the top highlights of Disney After Hours is the opportunity to experience attractions like TRON Lightcycle / Run, which offers a standby queue during event nights, and to take in the Happily Ever After and Disney Enchantment fireworks spectaculars. However, as Disney continues to refine its event offerings, some adjustments have taken place. Most notably, Tiana’s Bayou Adventure is no longer listed as part of the After Hours lineup, and Big Thunder Mountain Railroad is currently closed for refurbishment.
Beyond After Hours, Disney is enhancing the guest experience with new marketing campaigns celebrating the wonder of Walt Disney “Worlds” and bringing back beloved promotions to ensure guests continue to find value in their visits. The demand for premium experiences remains strong, with offerings like the Lightning Lane Multi Pass, Single Pass, and Premier Pass—the latter priced as high as $449 for peak Magic Kingdom days—frequently selling out.
Disney Experiences Chairman Josh D’Amaro recently addressed concerns about pricing and accessibility. “The number-one thing we hear from the millions of guests who visit our parks each year is how much a Disney vacation means to them, and we intentionally offer a wide variety of ticket, hotel, and dining options to welcome as many families as possible, whatever their budget,” D’Amaro shared in a press release. “We also know that, in inflationary times, it’s especially important to give families ways to save on their visits.”
Echoing this sentiment, Walt Disney Company Chief Executive Officer Bob Iger highlighted the resort’s “very high” guest satisfaction scores, reinforcing Disney’s commitment to providing unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.
How do you feel about these pricey events selling out? Does it send the right message to Disney? Let us know in the comments down below!
I am truly sorry about the massive prices that Disney has become necessary to charge, that being said, I think it’s totally crazy that people are willing to pay those prices. 449 a day per person for the premier lightning lane,
are you totally kidding me? But even though we can blame Disney, I blame the people who buy this even more, telling Disney, sure it’s fine to charge this outrageous and YES we are happy to pay it. I guess if you sell something and someone is will to pay for it, then “Good for You”, but I personally do not believe it’s the best way to attract more and more families to Disney, If you are looking for a select group then I think you may be on the right track, but I do not feel that is the best for everyone trying to come and enjoy Disney.